Everyone is confronted with tough decisions week in and week out. Those who make the right decisions on who to start and who to bench will win. Outsiders often attribute the ability to make the right decision to luck. It can be the case, but skilled owners make far more right choices than wrong. Makes sense, right? Below is my way of making those tough decisions a little bit easier.

 

QUARTERBACKS

 

Steve McNair, Titans (YES!): McNair torched the second worst pass defense in the league two weeks ago. Now he’s got the worst pass defense: the Texans, who have allowed five touchdowns for every interception they’ve forced. The only thing that saves the Texans' pass defense is that their games often are lopsided. This one should be close enough for McNair to keep throwing with success deep into the game.

 

Jake Delhomme, Panthers (NO!): The Bucs continue to be a good defense to avoid when you have matchup choices. They’re one of only two teams to allow fewer than ten passing scores this year. This should be a good, physical football game, one where you don’t want your fantasy quarterback playing. 

 

RUNNING BACKS

 

Corey Dillon, Patriots (YES!): Dillon finally returned last week and played solidly. This week, he faces another one of the worst rushing defenses in the league.

 

Willie Parker, Steelers (NO!): Fast Willie has come back from fantasy limbo a couple of times this year, but this just isn’t a good matchup for him. The Steelers haven’t been as effective running the ball of late, and Parker is probably a fumble away from some time on the bench. 

 

WIDE RECEIVERS

 

Drew Bennett, Titans (YES!): Bennett has caught at least five passes each week since his return from injury four weeks ago. He should be McNair’s primary target in a favorable matchup with the Texans. 

 

Hines Ward, Steelers (NO!): He had a big game last week, but the Bears defense should be able to put the clamps on Pittsburgh’s passing game this week.

 

TIGHT ENDS

 

Bryan Fletcher, Colts (YES!): I hate to chase the points, but...Peyton Manning takes what the defense gives him, and over the past three weeks, that has been Fletcher in the red zone.

 

Randy McMichael, Dolphins (NO!): His disappointing season continues.

 

KICKERS

 

Lawrence Tynes, Chiefs (YES!): The Chiefs offense has been clicking of late, and Tynes should benefit again this week.

 

John Hall, Redskins (NO!): The Redskins offense has been playing very conservatively of late.

 

DEFENSES/SPECIAL TEAMS

 

Minnesota Vikings (YES!): The Rams turn the ball over, and the Vikings defense has been scoring like crazy.

 

Indianapolis Colts (NO!): The Jaguars will protect the ball in this one, and likely force another low scoring game.